Interactive Web Pages

Overview:   What Is Interactivity

Basic Interactive   Elements

Tutorials &  Activities

Web Conferencing & Streaming Media

Interactive Toolbox

Flash Tour

 
 
 
 

Aim:  The purpose of the interactive web page module is to provide WIT participants with tools and advanced technlogy skills to add interactive features to web pages which will engage students to interact with the site content by providing information as well as feedback through the use of forms,  JavaScript, web conferencing. and cutting edge interactive software. 

Rationale:  The Internet is a one way communication medium between an individual and a computer.  As there is often no group social interaction between the user on his/her end and the computer, interactive features offer a higher level of user involvement and provides for a two way communication between the user and your pages.  Interactive features engage the user which attracts them to your site and in many instances will keep them coming back as they become involved with the site's content. 

Subject Matter:  The contents of this module include tutorials that will assist participants in creating interactive elements such as forms, Java and JavaScripts.  All tutorials are based on the participant having a basic understanding of HTML coding.  The code for the interactive tutorials 
is supplied and will allow participants to alter, copy and paste it into an HTML document.  Links to sites on the Internet where participants can obtain instantly coded interactive features are included in several activities included in this module and explanations are included that will guide participants through the steps in adding them to a Web page.    This module also includes  advanced interactive features such as Web conferencing and interactive software programs. These features are discussed and demonstrated with links to sites currently utilizing these programs and tools.  As an added feature, the Interactive Toolbox contains a variety of resources for creating and viewing interactive Web pages.

Audience:  Participants in WIT 

Learning Objectives:  Upon completion of this module participants will be able to: 
 

•       Identify and understand a variety of interactive web page techniques 
•       Create customized forms based on the tutorials
•       Understand the use of  forms and JavaScript as interactive features
•        Incorporate an example of JavaScript interaction into a Web page
•        Understand the concept of web conferencing
•        Identify software and hardware needed for web conferencing 
•        Locate and use interactive resources that are available on Internet 

•       Computer Hardware - computer with Internet access, printer 
•        Interactive browser plug-ins,
•        HTML text editor 
•        HTML tag reference guide (Quick reference guide to all HTML tags) 
•        Optional purchased interactive hardware  (webcams, camcorders
•        Optional purchased software (Flash, video/audio editing software)

The Instructional Plan for this module includes four content areas 

•        Interactive Tutorials 
•        Interactive Activities 
•        Interactive Demonstrations/Example Sites 
•        Self Assessment

Interactive Tutorials - Prior to beginning the tutorials, the instructor should assess the HTML skill level of each participant.  While the tutorials are self paced, they do require a basic knowledge of HTML coding as the tags for the forms as well as the JavaScripts or applets will need to be inserted into the source HTML code.  Once the tutorials have been completed there is a brief assessment at the end that the participants can take to test their newly acquired skills.  If they feel they need a refresher, encourage them to do the tutorial again.  Once participants feel they are form, Java and JavaScript pros, they can begin to create their own customized forms and interative features. 

Interactive Activities - This section of the module will familiarize particpants with a variety of interactive features that they can effortlessly add to their web pages.  These features include search engines, guestbooks, chat rooms, and discussion boards.  The chat room and discussion board topics are linked to pages within the Green Team's homeroom module.  Links to the digital camera and scanner module are also provide to showcase how customized interactive features can be created using digital pictures or scanned images along with HTML coding and other interactive tools. 

Interactive Demonstrations/Example Sites - This content area explores the optional tools and software programs that can be used to add interactive features to web pages.  Participants can use these links prior to taking the tutorials to discover examples of how interactivity can enhance web pages.  Descriptions of the tools, along with suggestions for how to incorporate and finance them, are also included.  Where available, participants are guided to links that provide free downloads of trial software. 

Self Assessment:  After completing a tutorial, the participants are encouraged to modify the code to create their own customized forms and JavaScripts.  Participants should also be able to add code from free interactive content sites to their own pages.  The instructor should also encourage and assist the participants in creating their own web pages that utilize their custom created interactive features for self assessment.   Participants who are ready to tackle the advanced interactive features are encouraged to visit the site resources which will provide download trials, tutorials, and helpful information on how to create interactive content.

Evaluation:  The tools and techniques presented in this module are designed to introduce participants to the process of developing and adding interactive features to make their web sites engaging, educational, and informative.   Following completion of this module, the participants should be asked to fill out the evaluation form describing their experience in using the tutorials, activities, and demonstrations and site examples.  Feedback is also helpful to determine how this module will assist participants in developing curriculum and activites for their students.  The feedback forms and assessments provided at the end of each section will help the instructor determine the ease or difficulty of the tutorials, usefulness of information presented on interactive Web page features, and an understanding of the required tools, software programs, and hardware requirements.  As there are several advanced topics that overlap the intermediate content of this module, the following questions will help gauge the participant's knowledge and skill mastery upon completion of the module.
 

• Did the module help you understand the concept of interactive Web pages?
• Which interactive tutorial or activity did you find most enjoyable? 
• Which interactive tutorial or activity did you find the most challenging?
• Which part of the module did you find helpful and will consider using?
• Which part of the module did you find not helpful and won't consider using?
• Was the information presented in a clear, concise, easy to follow format? 
• Were the tutorials easy to follow and complete successfully?